STAFF at Prime Time Recruitment in Haydock believe keeping fit does wonders for your career -- and they are practising what they preach!

For corporate project manager, Mike Hughes plays rugby for Vulcan RUFC and is goalkeeper in a 7-a-side soccer team; on-site co-ordinator, Norman Rhoden is a bodybuilder and formerly worked as a bodyguard for a number of high-profile clients including Manchester United soccer stars; and office administrator, Jan Hargreaves is a keen runner, cyclist and walker.

Mike explained: "The average British employee works longer than his or her European counterpart, and is under increasing pressure. From personal experience I can say that people who are more active will have higher energy levels and as a result are more productive in the workplace. It is also easier to cope with stress".

And he gave the following guidlines as to what a healthy working day should involve:

A trip to the gym after work, rather than the pub.

Going for a walk at lunchtime, instead of working through. This will prevent a mid-afternoon slump in energy levels, and ultimately most people will get a lot more done.

Taking up at least one sport. Swimming, jogging, or for the more competitive, try a racket sport.

Mike added: "No one is expecting to employ an Olympian but as an experienced recruitment consultant who enjoys keeping fit, I know that putting forward a clearly active person for a new position is a great start to any job application".